Java Introduction

In this section we will introduce Java to the beginners. We will discuss about what is Java, how it is used, its features, its purpose and about Java tools.

In this section we will introduce Java to the beginners. We will discuss
about what is Java, how it is used, its features, its purpose and about Java
tools.

Java is an object oriented programming language that was developed by Sun
Microsystem and has been made open source since then. Hence the language keeps
on expanding every day. It is being used by companies in developing softwares,
applications for both desktop and smartphones, programs that can help in various
business, etc.

What is Java?

Java is an object oriented language like C, C++. It is considered as an
advanced version of the C, C++, with some new features, simplicity and addition
of features like garbage collection, java class library, APIs and others. It is
a simple, secure, robust and portable language.

The program written in Java is first compiled in byte code by Java compiler
then it is read by JVM (Java Virtual Machine) which converts it into machine
readable code. It is this functionality of changing the program into byte code
that makes Java platform independent.

Java Features:

In Java, programming is case sensitive. The uppercase and
lowercase letters means different in Java and hence should be
carefully used.

Java has the feature of Write-once-run-anywhere

Most of the web browsers support Java

Java works on distributed computing

It supports multi-threading

Java is secure

Java is robust-Java compilers check program for any errors
and helps prevent any future crashes.

Java Tools:

Java Compiler- is a set of programs that converts java source code into byte
code, which is then read by JVM. The output of Java compiler file has a ?.class?
extension. The file name must be the same as class name.

Java Interpreter- is the reason why Java is platform independent. It reads
the bytecode converted by java compiler and then converts it into a code that is
read by the concerned operating system.

Java interpreter is a software that implements the Java virtual machine and
runs Java applications. When a Java interpreter is installed on any platform
that means it is JVM (Java virtual machine) enabled platform.

Java Debugger- denoted as jdb is used or find and then rectify any debugs
found in Java.

JavaDoc - is used to generate API documentation into HTML format from Java
source code.

Java API- Java Application Programming Interface is a wide collection of Java
classes which are used by programmer in writing an application or program.